Harry's aunt

~33~

The next morning, Jasmine made the long trip to 12 Grimmauld Place and made her way inside. It felt strange to her, being in here for the first time without Sirius. She looked around, a lot of the place already being tidied.

"What did he need me in here for...? It looks clean enough to me," Jasmine muttered.

"What are you doin' 'ere?" a gruff voice grumbled. Jasmine gasped a little and turned around, finding no one, before she looked down, finding a house-elf. She had seen house-elves before, but this one really scared her a little.

"Oh, hello," Jasmine greeted. Jasmine turned on the light, before looking down at the creature. The house-elf seemed to be much older, his large ears drooped, and his eyes looked small, almost sunken in. Like most house-elves, he wore a sack for clothing. "I'm Jasmine, I was sent to do some straightening up?"

"There is nothing that needs to be cleaned. I have been cleaning every room that Master has allowed me into," he said.

"And you have done a beautiful job," Jasmine said. "Everything looks spotless." This made the house-elf beam with pride at the compliment.

"Very much appreciated," he said.

"Of course," Jasmine said. "Though... are there any places that you're not allowed in? That may need to be cleaned?" The house-elf looked up at her, looking at her for a bit, like he was trying to place where he had seen her face before. His eyes lit up a little, before beginning to lead Jasmine to the room she asked for.

"Master has his study. I'm not allowed to go inside without his permission. It has been cluttered and dusty. I've been wanting to go inside to clean it, but I must not disobey, Master," he explained, stopping at a shut door. "Master has given me the key to keep safe."

"May I have the key?" Jasmine asked. The house-elf was hesitant, but reluctantly agreed, after looking at Jasmine again. He disappeared down the hall briefly, before returning with an old silver key that was neatly polished. He held onto the key, like it was a piece of treasure, before handing it to Jasmine. "Thank you, um... What is your name?"

"Kreacher, ma'am," he answered.

"Well, it is very nice to meet you, Kreacher. My name is Jasmine," Jasmine responded. She didn't really meet a lot of house-elves, but she was always kind to each one she met. Kreacher gave a nod, his little ears moving a little from his head movement. Jasmine unlocked the door with the key, turning the knob slowly, after she heard the lock click. She opened the door to a dark room covered in a blanket of dust. "Could you bring me a lamp, please?" Kreacher nodded and made his way back to the kitchen to grab an oil lamp, since she asked so nicely. Jasmine stepped into the abandoned study, moving cobwebs out of her way. She heard footsteps and turned to find Kreacher in the doorway, holding an unlit oil lamp. Jasmine walked over and took the oil lamp gently. "Thank you." She took out her wand and quietly cast a spell, creating a small flame, lighting it. She lowered the glass around the small flame, bathing the room in a little light. "That's better." She looked around, seeing how messy the study was. There were books scattered all over the floor, papers all over the desk and floor, cobwebs in almost every corner. "This room definitely needs some work done..." She then looked at Kreacher. "Would you mind sharing some of your supplies? That way we can get this room nice and beautiful like the rest of the house?" Kreacher's grumpy skeptical expression immediately lit up with joy and eagerness. He snapped his fingers, disappearing in a puff of smoke, before returning with a bucket of cleaning supplies. Jasmine walked over and picked up the bucket gently. There were rags and dusters inside and other cleaning agents, like soap. Jasmine thanked him and set the bucket down, before reaching inside, pulling out a mop and broom from the hexed bucket. "Alright, let's start cleaning."